The joints that adjoin your jaw to your skull are the most used joints in the body, aside from the joints in the hands. They allow a full range of motion for speaking, chewing, yawning, and any other jaw movements. These joints are extremely sensitive to stress, changes in eating habits, and even certain illnesses. When they become misaligned, TMD results.

To treat TMJ dysfunction, our doctors will evaluate your jaw joints, your teeth, and the extent of damage. Often, a custom-made appliance that looks similar to an athletic mouthguard can re-align the joints by aligning the occlusion or “bite.”

The appliance is typically worn at night. It alleviates jaw tension by holding the jaw in a comfortable position and allowing the joints to relax. Many patients find that an oral appliance relieves the symptoms associated with TMD. Other therapies may be necessary, based on your unique case.